Wayne Rooney Suggests Liverpool Manager Consider Dropping Mohamed Salah

Mohamed Salah played a significant role in Liverpool’s success last season, contributing to 47 Premier League goals. However, former Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney has suggested that Liverpool manager Arne Slot should consider dropping Salah.

Following Liverpool’s 3-0 defeat to Nottingham Forest, where Salah, who has netted five goals this season, failed to provide either a goal or an assist, Rooney expressed his views in a recent podcast episode. He stated, “If I were Slot, I’d make a decisive change to influence the rest of the team. Salah is not contributing defensively. For players on the bench, witnessing Salah not exerting himself sends a discouraging message.”

The 33-year-old Salah made history last season by being the first player in Premier League history to lead in both goals and assists while also winning the Player of the Season award. His impressive form coincided with Slot’s successful inaugural season, leading Liverpool to the title after taking over from Jurgen Klopp.

Despite a busy summer transfer window, which included significant acquisitions like Florian Wirtz and Alexander Isak totaling £241 million, Liverpool has struggled this season, currently sitting 11th in the table with 18 points from 12 matches. Rooney remarked, “They are undergoing a tough period. The unfortunate incident with Jota has likely affected the squad, given that he was a teammate. However, that does not excuse a lack of fight and determination.”

After the recent loss, Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk emphasized that “everyone in the team must take responsibility.” With just one win in their last seven league matches, the shadow of Klopp’s successful tenure looms large over Slot. Rooney added, “Slot faces a significant challenge in getting the team back to winning ways. When results falter, Klopp’s name resurfaces, drawing comparisons that add pressure on Slot. Liverpool fans need to shift their focus and support him.”

For further insights, tune into The Wayne Rooney Show on BBC Sport’s YouTube channel and listen on BBC Sounds.